Engineering Commons^™

Advancing Real-World Implementation Of The Well Optimized Linear Finder (Wolf) High-Speed Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation Method, Timothy Evan Coon

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation advances the real-world implementation of the Well Optimized Linear Finder (WOLF) method for high-speed Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation (ATC). Atmospheric turbulence introduces phase aberrations into optical wavefronts and degrades image quality in terrestrial imaging systems. Traditional phase diversity methods are computationally intensive and poorly suited to real-time operation. The WOLF method addresses these limitations through a novel, point-wise formulation of the optical transfer function (OTF) as a structured autocorrelation of the generalized pupil function (GPF). This formulation enables the estimation of phase aberrations at individual spatial coordinates with distributed computational complexity.

The research begins by developing a MATLAB-based simulation …

Analysis On Plasma Propulsion Thruster Material Reconfiguration For Thrust Stabilization, Chinedumu Chidiebere Okafo

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Rocket propulsion has been a primary focus for scientific and technical advancement supporting space exploration. For long-duration, low-thrust space missions, propulsion systems designed with plasma energy as the primary source for generating thrust are of high interest. Plasma energy, like electric propulsion, involves the excited state of ionized atoms, where the ionized particles are separated and then act as a propellant to push a spacecraft in the intended direction for flight. Although more energy efficient compared to traditional rocket systems, plasma propulsion has the deficiency of consistent erosion of the metallic containment substrate, as plasma is being generated and released …

Shock Induced Droplet Aerobreakup For Newtonian And Non-Newtonian Fluids, James Leung

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This research investigates shock-induced aerodynamic breakup (aerobreakup) of fluids with different stress-strain behaviors. The central hypothesis is that shear stress from highspeed gas flow manifests differently depending on a fluid’s strain response, influencing droplet breakup morphology, fragment size distribution, and drag-induced acceleration. To test this, experiments and simulations were performed on μm–mm sized droplets of Newtonian (water) and shear-thinning fluids (nanofluids or xanthan gum). Two experimental setups were used: an open-ended shock tube and a closed conventional shock tube. In the openended setup, a normal shock impacts a stationary droplet held by an acoustic levitator. Droplet breakup and gas dynamics …

Flysurf: A Flying Robotic Surface With Shape Morphing And Motion Control, Kevin Aubert De Luchi Lomellini

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

This thesis introduces FlySurf, a novel flying robotic surface capable of simultaneous shape morphing and motion control. FlySurf is modeled as a mesh-based dynamic structure actuated by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, enabling complex deformations during flight. The proposed control architecture comprises three main components. First, a state estimator to infer the robotic surface state from limited observations. Second, a shape trajectory planner that incorporates an affine deformation term to preserve surface integrity during shape transitions. Third, a surface controller to minimize the error between the desired and actual surface configurations.

The methodology is validated through realistic simulations and hardware experiments, …

Design For Additive Manufacturing: Simultaneous Optimization Of Structural Integrity And Minimal Support Structures, Naresh Ahuja

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This dissertation addresses two core challenges limiting the widespread application of Topology Optimization (TO): the difficulty in fabricating its complex designs, especially for Additive Manufacturing (AM), and its significant computational costs. It develops a unified design framework that directly embeds AM constraints such as overhang angles and build direction into robust TO formulations. To enhance manufacturability, two distinct methodologies are proposed. Firstly, a Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) framework introduces a three-stage robust optimization algorithm. Secondly, the Geometric Projection Topology Optimization (GPTO) method inherently integrates overhang constraints by controlling individual geometric components and their inclined angles relative to a …

Implementing A 5-Dimensional Tabulated Conditional Moment Closure Model With Scalar Dissipation Rate For Scramjet Combustion, Alp Tuztas, Scott Montgomery Martin, Carlos A. Velez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The growing interest in Scramjets for achieving sustained hypersonic flight has given rise to numerous computational models to obtain solutions as close as possible to experimental data, assisting with making the design process of modern Scramjet’s with different propellants and cavity designs less costly. However, Scramjet engines pose significant challenges for computational modelling due to the need of accounting for large- and small-scale turbulences but also solving turbulence chemistry interactions in compressible flow regimes. A promising approach has been through using high-fidelity turbulence-combustion models which greatly assist with capturing detailed chemistry, account for small scale turbulence and the complex flow …

Chromatography In Analysis And Quality Control Of Oil And Gas Products: Modern Approaches And Prospects, Muborak Akramovna Mirshomilova, Natalia Evgenievna Sheina, Lala Bekirova

Technical science and innovation

Chromatography plays a key role in the analysis and quality control of oil and gas products. Modern chromatographic methods, including gas and liquid chromatography, provide high accuracy, sensitivity and speed of analysis. They allow you to identify impurities, control the composition and compliance of products with standards. The article considers innovative approaches, such as multidimensional chromatography and the use of automated systems. Development prospects are discussed, including integration with AI and digital technologies, which opens up new opportunities to improve the efficiency of quality control in the oil and gas industry. This article considers the role of chromatographic methods in …

Improving The Methodology Of Complex Organization Of Rural Areas Based On Gis Technologies, Anvarjon Pardaboyev

Technical science and innovation

In the world, scientific research is being conducted aimed at improving the efficiency of complex organization of rural areas by utilizing modern geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing data. These studies focus on shaping the land allocated to these areas, organizing their activities, and forming the basis of cartographic information. Additionally, the use of modern GIS and remote sensing data has become widespread in the complex organization of rural areas in many countries. This method stands out for its effectiveness in organizing regions today.

In our republic, comprehensive measures are being implemented to consistently develop production through structural, institutional, …

Research Into Technological Features In The Curring Process Of Multilayer Polymer Composite Parts, Umidbek Dilshod Ugli Kosimov, Jonibek Kobilovich Tokhirov, Andrey Dmitrievich Novikov

Technical science and innovation

This paper examines the main technologies and mechanisms used in the curing process of multilayer thick-walled parts of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) made of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on epoxy resin. The study provides a detailed analysis of the technological features of the curing process, its kinetics, and the influence of heat transfer mechanisms on the final quality of molded components. It is emphasized that due to the low thermal conductivity of PCM, temperature inhomogeneity may occur during curing, leading to defects, internal stresses, and deterioration of the mechanical properties of the product. Therefore, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout …

Deployable Systems Eat, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

What Are Mechanisms?

• Moving Mechanical Assembly (MMA)

• A device that controls the movement of a deployable or other movable system of a space or launch vehicle

• Why do mechanisms exist?

• 1) Fit within launch vehicle or dispenser
• 2) Stow for launch loads
• 3) Change position or pointing once on orbit
• 4) Deploy objects

Analyzing The Interfacial Properties Of Natural Fiber Composites, Rahul Kumar Arram

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent demand for sustainable development, the composite materials industry is increasingly challenged to balance high performance with environmental responsibility. Conventional composites, typically composed of synthetic fibers and petroleum-based resins, offer outstanding mechanical properties but are associated with significant ecological drawbacks due to their non-biodegradable nature and energy-intensive production. This has led to increased interest in the development of sustainable composites that minimize environmental impact without compromising functionality. This study presents the development of eco-friendly composites reinforced with natural bast fibers—specifically ramie and jute—through a comprehensive program of materials processing and characterization. To …

Creating Blood Analogs To Mimic Steady-State Non-Newtonian Shear-Thinning Characteristics Under Various Thermal Conditions, Hang Yi, Alexander Wang, Christopher Wang, Jared Chong, Chungyiu Ma, Luke Bramlage, Bryan Ludwig, Zifeng Yang

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Blood analogs are widely employed in in vitro experiments such as particle image velocity (PIV) to secure hemodynamics, assisting pathophysiological diagnoses of neurovascular and cardiovascular diseases, as well as pre-surgical planning and intraoperative orientation. To obtain accurate physical parameters, which are critical for diagnosis and treatment, blood analogs should exhibit realistic non-Newtonian shear-thinning features. In this study, two types of blood analogs working under room temperature (293.15 K) were created to mimic the steady-state shear-thinning features of blood over a temperature range of 295 to 312 K and a shear range of 1~250 s−1 at a hematocrit of ~40%. Type …

Towards Accountability: A Primer On The Space Debris Problem And An Overview Of The Legal Issues Surrounding It, William Schonberg

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Since 1957, the near-Earth population of trackable space objects has grown in number to over 36,000. Of these 36,000+ trackable objects now in low Earth orbit, just a few thousand are working spacecraft. The rest are Earth-orbiting objects which are no longer operational and are considered to be space junk. Because this junk can no longer receive maneuvering commands from its Earth-based owners, the survivability of other spacecraft traveling through or operating in Earth orbit can be jeopardized by the impacts of any number of pieces of this space junk, whose origins can usually be traced back to defunct satellites. …

Experimental Analysis Of Satellite Operator Training Using Game-Based Virtual Reality Simulation, Lana Laskey

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Satellite data plays a vital role in modern global infrastructure by enabling communications, navigation, and weather forecasting. As demand for satellite technology grows, so does the need for highly trained satellite ground operators. Traditional training regimens for satellite operators employ simulation using two-dimensional computer console displays paired with the varied ability of trainees to generate abstract mental imagery of the scenario. However, this development of mental imagery imposes a considerable learning curve and cognitive workload on the trainee, which may negatively impact the user experience and knowledge gained during the training scenario.

This experimental study investigated the effects of game-based …

Mno2 Nanoscale Interface Modification, Alexander C. Skoppe

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Interface modification of carbon fibers has been shown to improve the mechanical performance of composites. In addition, interface modification of carbon fiber composites can impart multifunctionality into the resulting composite. This work will explore ZnO and MnO2 as interface modifications for use on carbon fibers. When exposed to high temperatures, carbon fibers undergo fiber degradation, leading to the need for low-temperature hydrothermal processes. This work will develop and characterize a nanoscale ZnO and MnO2 interface modification for use on carbon fibers. These nanomodifications will be developed with low-temperature processes, minimizing the fiber degradation that the fibers undergo. Fourier transform infrared …

Navigating Perceptions: How Organizational Type And Message Source Affect Willingness To Fly In Automated Air Taxis, Cody James Sweatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

A new era of transportation and business is beginning to emerge. Advanced air mobility (AAM), which uses highly automated aircraft that transport passengers and cargo in the underutilized, low-altitude airspace above and around urban areas, is rapidly becoming a reality (FAA, 2023). These new companies will utilize air taxis, which are automated, electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and will potentially foster a revolutionary new commerce infrastructure. Unfortunately, it is not currently understood how the credibility of a message source or specific type of organization that owns and operates an automated air taxi company influences a customer’s willingness to …

Design Of Supercritical Reactors To Understand Supercritical Water Oxidation Process And Hydrothermal Flames, Victor Dubceac

Theses and Dissertations

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) has been a topic of immense interest as an effective technique/tool for hazardous aqueous waste disposal. SCWO can be achieved by introducing an oxidizer (e.g., H2O2), or a hydrothermal flame as an internal source of both heat and oxidizer species in an aqueous environment at conditions above the critical point of water (P > 218 atm and T > 647 K). SCWO poses important environmental advantages for the treatment of harmful organic materials contained in waste streams. An SCWO reactor has the potential to be compact in design and therefore can be an ideal alternative to existing technology …

Self-Regulated Thermal Management With Shape-Memory Alloy Torsional Tubes, Paula Sanjuan Espejo

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The need for dynamic thermal management that adapts to varying system needs and requirements is a growing topic of interest in different engineering disciplines, most prominently aerospace and electronics. This demand for improved thermal management systems comes from the general increase of system efficiencies leading to an increase in component energy density. Shape-memory alloy actuators, which respond with a mechanical shape recovery to variations in temperature, can be used as self-regulated thermal management actuators that are able to respond to environmental thermal changes autonomously. In this dissertation, modeling and experimental analysis of a two-way shape-memory effect trained SMA torsional tube …

Embeddable Multi-Material Wireless Micro-Sensors Utilizing Additive Manufacturing And Enhanced Microstructure, Nicholas Reed

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The development of embeddable, multi-material wireless microsensors offers transformative potential for structural health monitoring (SHM) in aerospace applications. This work integrates additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with advanced microstructural design to produce flexible, high-resolution sensors that can be directly embedded into polymer substrates. By utilizing the vat photopolymerization process, customized embedded sensors are seamlessly integrated into polymer AM structures. These sensors are then continuously refined, targeting increases in performance, both internal and external. Microstructural enhancements are explored to modify the rheological properties of the fabricated embedded sensing channels and enhance the adhesive bonding between the embedded sensor and the AM structure. …

Mtu-Llm: Llm-Based Multi-Robot Task Allocation And Path Planning For Heterogeneous Robots In Search And Rescue Operations, Kaushik Kannan, Jungyun Bae

Michigan Tech Publications

Urban Search and Rescue operations after natural disasters involve locating and assisting victims in hazardous environments, which is challenging. Classical Multi-Robot Task Allocation (MRTA) and path planning approaches have been used to deploy heterogeneous robot teams in unsafe areas. However, existing methods often lack focus on workload balance and requirement fulfillment and struggle to generalize across different scenarios. To address these challenges, we propose Multi-robot Task allocation Utilizing LLMs (MTU-LLM), a framework designed to reduce the development time for task allocation and path planning approaches, enabling faster robot deployment. The framework uses an LLM-based “prompt engineering” approach that generates task …

A Discrete-Time Adaptive Sliding Mode Controller For A Multicopter With A Suspended Payload, John Helzer

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis presents a Discrete-time Adaptive Sliding Mode Controller (DASMC) for control of a multicopter with a suspended payload. DASMC is designed to stabilize the multicopter at a desired position while minimizing the load oscillations induced by a significant hanging payload. The proposed DASMC minimizes the need for system-specific parameters like tunable gains and improves robustness to both external disturbances and model uncertainties compared with existing controllers. The controller is designed for direct digital implementation on a variety of multicopter platforms with considerations like discrete-time design, adaptive gain shrinking, and saturation handling. When deployed on a real multicopter in an …

Identification Of Authentic Gnss Signals In Time-Differenced Carrier-Phase Measurements With A Software-Defined Radio Receiver, Zhen Zhu, Sanjeev Gunawardena, Eric Vinande, Jason Pontious

Faculty Publications

The time-differenced carrier phase can be computed from measurements recorded by a multi-global navigation satellite system software-defined radio receiver such as PyChips, from which the user displacement and receiver clock drift can be solved. PyChips is able to simultaneously track authentic and inauthentic signals in separate channels, which makes it possible to observe both types of measurements with corresponding navigation data. A random sample consensus algorithm has been introduced to assess the consistency between the measurements and data. This algorithm successfully separated authentic channels from inauthentic channels when they are broadcast simultaneously.

Impact Assessment Of Multipoint Video Distribution Systems On Satellite Signal Reception, Ali Karaki, Hiba Abdallah, Mohammed Al-Husseini, Hamza Issa

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

This work analyzes the potential interference impact on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites stemming from Multipoint Video Distribution System (MVDS) transmissions, specifically examining side lobe radiation within Lebanon. Through simulations and analysis of antenna emission patterns, the study measures how varying MVDS power outputs affect the carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio at the satellite receiver. Results reveal a significant impairment of signal quality, showing the C/N falling to -2.3 dB with an MVDS power level of 0 dBW under current system parameters. To counter this interference, a potential two-phase mitigation strategy is presented and its effectiveness considered. The study contributes to improving …

Reusing Materials In The Aerospace Industry, Lama Alanazi, Burtegeljin Gombosuren, Byhalia Jewett

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

This research explores the material recycling methods used by the aerospace industry, particularly in comparison to the reusability of aerospace materials and with the objective to find uses for recycled materials from aircraft. Through an analysis of various other material mitigation methods, it is apparent that the physical degradation of materials after they go through recycling processes and the cost of recycling are the most prominent issues holding the aerospace industry back from being able to recycle aircraft up to 100%. From a comparison of physical characteristics of materials after reprocessing, several materials were found to meet industry standards, while …

An Engineering Solution For Fan Aeroacoustics Measurements Correction In A Non-Anechoic Testing Environment, Saad-Eldin Taha, Mohamed Y.Zakaria, Mohamed Abdelgaied, M.M. Bassuoni Prof. Dr.

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- Nowadays, acoustic signatures of daily used applications are to be minimized. The study of noise generated through aerodynamic interaction with moving bodies has passed through different phases since the early 50s, and this leads to the evolvement of many analytical, empirical and computational techniques in order to be able to estimate the emitted noise. Concerning fan blades, until now the researches are still going for a reliable method for noise estimation during the early phases of design which help in the development of blades with a lower aeroacoustic signature, the Brooks, Pope and Marcolini (BPM) model was chosen to …

A Comprehensive Review Of Natural Gas-Diesel Dual-Fuel Engines: Efficiency, Emissions, And Engine Performance, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi Prof. Dr. Eng., Mohamed Mostafa Shafey Eng

Journal of Engineering Research

Natural gas (NG) diesel dual-fuel systems have emerged as a promising advancement in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, offering significant potential for reducing emissions, while maintaining high fuel efficiency and performance standards. This review critically examines the combustion characteristics, operational performance, emissions mitigation potential, and the engineering challenges associated with engine modifications and fuel system compatibility. Furthermore, the role of dual-fuel technology within broader global climate change mitigation strategies is explored. Extensive evidence from the literature confirms that NG-diesel dual-fuel engines can achieve substantial reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions up to 53% particulate matter (PM) by over 60%, and …

Experimental Investigation On The Effect Of Using Gasoline With Commercial Additives On Spark Ignition Engines Performance And Emissions Characteristic, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Emad Mostafa Eng.

Journal of Engineering Research

Gasoline is the primary source of energy in combustion engines, despite some drawbacks, such as knocking inside the engine, incomplete combustion, and the production of high emissions. The main trend has been toward the use of chemical additives as improvers, including oxidizing additives and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Both additives have an effect on the combustion process. Oxidizing additives improve the combustion process inside the chamber by adding additional oxygen to the fuel, which helps accelerate flame propagation, such as ethanol and oleo-octane plus. On the other hand, aromatic additives are used to increase the octane number, which in turn enhances …

Thermal Design Overview, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Preface

• Introductions
• Work Based on "Small Satellite Thermal Modeling Guide, Initial Release, July 2022"
• Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RVSV)
• Purpose
• Introduce methods/concepts to develop and analyze a small satellite thermal model
• Understand why thermal modeling and thermal analysis are important
• Understand common pitfalls
• Learn about available resources

Global Variation Of Mesospheric Gravity Waves Observed By Awe, Yucheng Zhao, Jiarong Zhang, Pierre-Dominique Pautet, Ludger Scherliess, Michael J. Taylor

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

USU Presentation on the Global Variation of Mesospheric Gravity Waves Observed by AWE

Awe Data Status, P.-Dominique Pautet, Anh Phan, Ludger Scherliess, Yucheng Zhao, Jiarong Zhang, Dallin Tucker, Connor Waite, Pedro Sevilla, Russell Kirkham, Harri Latvakoski, Jacob Adams, Keith Paskett

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on the AWE data status.